"Worship is a place where God's children - both young and old - come to receive His gifts and return thanks with prayer, praise and song, but not every child connects with God on the same level," says Pastor Smith.  This Summer, children ages 9 & under will have a special 15-20min break-away event each Sunday during church to engage in a project or activity related to the bible lessons and/or theme of the day.  Kids will come to worship with their families and sing the opening songs, receive God's forgiveness, pray, hear the bible readings and even get their own sermon; you know, the children's message that everyone looks forward to each week!  After the children's message, they will join adult volunteers who will help them work on a weekly project.  Don't fret, though, because the kids will return from their project in time to join their families and receive a blessing at the Lord's Table.  It is our hope to deepen the kids' experience of God on Sunday and help them engage their faith with hands-on opportunities.  Call the church secretary at 624.1766 if you would like to know more or to sign up to work with the kids for 15-20mins one Sunday this summer!

"BFF!"  If you have children or grandchildren that send text messages, you may be familiar with this abbreviation for "Best Friends Forever!"  It's a quick way to refer to someone who is very special to you.  Well, our very own Effie Steingasser got the ball rolling to have a casual gathering for very special friends to meet & eat at St. Mark.  In February, the first Fellowship Luncheon was held with a wonderful spread and a magic show from Absolutely Magic Entertainment, featuring our very own Pastor Brian Smith.  It was open to all ages and everyone decided that it should be a new tradition.  The Fellowship Luncheon takes place at St. Mark and is open to anyone in the community who would enjoy a break in their day to enjoy some good food, fun, and making a new "BFF!"